Landslide victory in California against the big tobacco industry!

The big tobacco industry was defeated in a landslide Tuesday by Californians who voted Yes on Proposition 56 by 62.9% to 37.1%! Prop. 56 will increase taxes on tobacco products by $2 and fund tobacco prevention and research programs as well as help the state’s Medi-Cal health program.

California Planned Parenthood Education Fund was a sponsoring member of the Prop. 56 Save Lives Coalition, along with the California Medical Association, SEIU State Council, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, California PTA, among others. Planned Parenthood affiliates were instrumental in this historic effort by contributing financial resources as well as coordinating phone banks, canvasses, social media, and health center advocacy.

Congratulations California, together we will save lives, inspire thousands to quit smoking, prevent kids from starting to use tobacco, and help fund the Medi-Cal program that is so important to Planned Parenthood patients throughout the state.